One Mother’s Race to Recovery

Race to Recovery is the new name for Addiction NI’s annual 10K Race and 3K Fun Run /Walk. This year the race will be officially started by Natasha Scott who sadly lost both her son and brother to drugs in October 2016.

Natasha says,

“I am running the Race to Recovery with 5 friends in memory of my son Mark and brother Gavin who both lost their fight against drugs on the 28th October 2016. Our family has been left devastated by their loss and we are now on our own journey of recovery.”

To date Natasha’s Just Giving page has raised over £1,500 and donations continue to rise.

Natasha continues,

“If by raising awareness and funds for Addiction NI I can help just one person beat their battle with addiction it will help pave the path to recovery for my own family. Our family has been left heartbroken by the deaths of my son Mark, just 24 yrs, and my brother Gavin who was 38yrs. The cost of not recovering from addiction and mental illness is too high a price to pay. If someone needs help there should be a place for them to go. Addiction NI is one such place and funding is vital to allow them to provide this service. Addiction is something that any family, from any walk of life, can face at any given time. Do not be prejudiced in thinking it only happens to certain people if that was the case my son and brother would still be with us.”

The annual event has been renamed to focus on the positive outcomes for the 1000’s of people embarking on recovery with the support of Addiction NI, family, friends and to encourage others to take that first step.

Thelma Abernethy commented,

“We admire the strength and courage Natasha has shown following this devastating loss. It takes great bravery and selflessness to focus your grief into helping others and this is exactly what Natasha and her family are doing. Natasha truly understands the life changing impact of drug dependency on individuals and their families. She also recognises the stigma and shame attached to addiction and the misconceptions that only certain people are at risk from these issues. By helping to raise awareness Natasha is helping to ensure that more people understand the impact of alcohol and drug use and that people know there is help available.”

Addiction NI have been delivering services in Northern Ireland for over 38 years. The services are provided by trained professional staff in a confidential setting. Individuals requiring help can simply self-refer to the services.

She continues,

“We are honoured that Natasha has agreed to officially start the race as there is no one who better understands the importance of having an accessible service to anyone in need of support, advice and counselling for alcohol and drug dependency.”

The event takes place on Sunday 5th March in Ormeau Park at 10am. We are calling on runners, joggers, children, dog walkers and pram pushers to get involved in either the 10K Race or 3K Fun Run/Walk.

iCare Charity have kindly supported the event by sponsoring our new specialised technical running t-shirts. Medicare Pharmacy are also supporting the race by providing prizes for the first 3 male and female runners home.